If you’ve been told you need hernia surgery, you may have questions about what the operation involves and why your surgeon might recommend using mesh.
In this guide, we explain what hernia mesh is and why surgeons use it. We also look at how your treatment may vary depending on your hernia.
What is surgical mesh?
Surgical mesh is commonly used to repair hernias in the groin and the abdominal wall (the layers of muscle and tissue at the front and sides of your abdomen).
Surgical mesh is a thin, medical-grade material used to strengthen the weak spot where the hernia developed. During a mesh hernia repair, your surgeon moves the tissue or organ that has pushed through the weak point back into place. They then place the mesh over or behind the weak area to reinforce the repair.
The mesh gives the weakened area extra support while your body heals. Over time, your own tissue grows around the mesh, helping to strengthen the abdominal wall.
The type of mesh and where your surgeon places it will depend on your hernia and the surgical approach they use.
Why is mesh used in hernia surgery?
A hernia develops when fatty tissue or part of an organ pushes through a weak point in the muscle wall around it. Closing that opening is an important part of surgery, but the surrounding tissue may still be weak.
Mesh can strengthen the repair without relying on stitches alone to support the weakened area. By supporting a wider area around the hernia, it can reduce strain on the healing tissue and lower the chance of the hernia coming back.
Does every hernia repair need mesh?
Mesh is commonly used to repair hernias, but it isn’t the right approach for every person or every type of hernia.
Your surgeon will consider:
- The type and location of your hernia
- The size of the opening in the abdominal wall
- The strength of the surrounding tissue
- Any previous hernia repairs or abdominal surgery
- Your general health and any factors that may affect your surgery
Some small hernias may be repaired using stitches alone. In other cases, mesh provides useful extra strength.
This is why a specialist assessment is important when deciding which type of repair is most suitable for you.
How is mesh used for different types of hernia?
How mesh is used depends on where the hernia has developed and the surrounding muscle and tissue.
Inguinal hernias
An inguinal hernia develops in the groin. Surgeons commonly use mesh to cover and strengthen the weak area after moving the hernia back into your abdomen. Your surgeon can carry out the repair through open surgery or using a minimally invasive laparoscopic (keyhole) approach.
Femoral hernias
Femoral hernias also occur around the groin but develop through a different opening, called the femoral canal, near the top of your inner thigh. Surgery is generally recommended because these hernias have a higher risk of complications, such as the hernia becoming trapped. Mesh may be used depending on the type of repair and your individual hernia.
Umbilical and epigastric hernias
These hernias develop around the belly button or in the upper abdominal wall (between your navel and breastbone). A very small opening may sometimes be closed using stitches alone. Mesh may be recommended if the area needs additional support.
Incisional and ventral hernias
Incisional hernias develop through a weakened area where you’ve previously had abdominal surgery. Ventral hernias occur through the front of the abdominal wall. Surgeons frequently use mesh for these repairs, particularly when the hernia is larger or the tissue needs additional support.
How is surgical mesh put in place?
Mesh can be used during open or keyhole hernia surgery, as well as robot-assisted surgery.
With open surgery, your surgeon reaches the hernia through a cut close to the affected area. With laparoscopic or robot-assisted surgery, the repair is carried out through several small cuts, using a camera and specialised surgical instruments.
The mesh can be placed in different layers of the abdominal wall. It may be held in place using stitches or other methods while the area heals. The position and surgical approach will depend on your hernia, rather than using the same technique for everyone.
Is surgical mesh safe?
It’s understandable to have questions about having surgical mesh placed inside your body.
Mesh repair is a well-established way to treat many common hernias. However, like any operation, it has some risks. These can include:
- Infection
- Ongoing pain
- Fluid collecting around the surgical area
- The hernia returning
Problems specifically related to the mesh can also occur, although they are uncommon.
Before surgery, your surgeon should explain why they’re recommending mesh in your case. They should also talk you through the possible benefits and risks. If another approach may be more suitable, they’ll explain this too.
A personalised approach to hernia repair
There isn’t one hernia repair that suits everyone. What’s best for you depends on your hernia and your overall health.
Mr Achal Khanna will consider the location and size of your hernia alongside any previous surgery you’ve had before recommending treatment. If mesh is appropriate, he’ll explain how it will support the repair and which type of surgery may suit you best.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a hernia and would like to understand your treatment options, book a consultation with Mr Achal Khanna today.